BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Aug. 19, 2010 -- Retailers and other organizations that rely on credit card transactions now have a compelling reason to consider moving critical payment applications to the cloud.
Verizon Computing as a Service, or CaaS, the company's cloud computing solution delivered from Verizon cloud centers in the U.S. and Europe, is the first cloud-based solution to successfully complete the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) audit for storing, processing and transmitting credit card information.  This means that enterprises can be confident that their customers' data is protected by the most rigorous industry-recognized payment-card security standard available globally.

To become PCI DSS-validated, Verizon CaaS underwent a comprehensive third-party examination of its policies, procedures and technical systems, as well as an on-site assessment and systemwide vulnerability scan. 

 The PCI DSS, developed by the founding payment brands of the PCI Security Standards Council, helps facilitate the broad adoption of consistent data security measures globally.  Intended to help organizations proactively protect customer account data, the PCI DSS is a multifaceted security standard that includes requirements for security management, policies, procedures, network architecture, software design and other critical protective measures.

"Compliance with PCI DSS sets Verizon apart from other players in this space," said Joseph S. Crawford, executive director, IT solutions, Verizon Business.  "As more enterprises look to cloud-enabled IT services, it is essential that we offer a secure environment for corporate applications.  PCI compliance further underscores our ongoing commitment and investment in cloud computing."

Verizon Provides Full Support for PCI Compliance

Verizon also offers a wide range of other PCI DSS-compliant services, including its transaction services network.  In addition, the company's IP application hosting service, delivered via U.S. managed-hosting smart centers that handle the management and monitoring of customers' critical Web infrastructure and applications, meets PCI DSS requirements.  Verizon also offers PCI-related professional services, as well as the Verizon Online Compliance Program for the Payment Card Industry.

Verizon CaaS – leveraging the company's global IP infrastructure and data centers – helps customers efficiently and securely manage on-demand computing resources, including server, network and storage capacity.  Verizon CaaS enables businesses to pay for the resources actually used and avoid buying equipment and adding staff to build out for peak capacity requirements.
Verizon is leading the industry toward an "everything-as-a-service" (EaaS) model where cloud-based converged solutions are securely delivered through managed and professional services over the company's global IP network.  The Verizon EaaS platform will enable enterprises to improve their IT infrastructure and boost application performance in today's complex and dynamic business environment.  Visit the Verizon IT Solutions & Hosting website for more information.

About Verizon Business

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), is a global leader in communications and IT solutions. We combine professional expertise with one of the world's most connected IP networks to deliver award-winning communications, IT, information security and network solutions.  We securely connect today's extended enterprises of widespread and mobile customers, partners, suppliers and employees – enabling them to increase productivity and efficiency and help preserve the environment.  Many of the world's largest businesses and governments – including 96 percent of the Fortune 1000 and thousands of government agencies and educational institutions – rely on our professional and managed services and network technologies to accelerate their business. Find out more at www.verizonbusiness.com.

Souce: Verizon